What are the pros and cons of being a military doctor?

Pros:

• No student loans. If you work as a military doctor, the military pays for your schooling. As becoming a doctor requires extensive schooling, this can be a wonderful way to save money and still become a doctor.

• Financial security. Doctors make great money, so becoming a military doctor is a great step toward financial security. Also, people need doctors, meaning you have stability in your position.

• A rewarding and fulfilling career. Military doctors have a huge opportunity to protect and help those around them, which can be extremely rewarding. They help sick and injured people get better.

• Travel opportunities. Something unique to doctors working in the military opposed to civilian doctors, is that they have the opportunity to live around the world and experience many different peoples and cultures.

Cons:

• Stress. As a military doctor, you are trying to help people get better. You may often be without all the necessary supplies or on a tight timeline, especially when in conflict. This can be extremely stressful.

• Upsetting results. Sometimes, doctors do everything they can to help save a patient, which doesn't work. Losing a patient can be extremely disheartening, and doctors can carry the mental load long after they end their shifts.

• Specialty limitations. While civilian doctors do not typically have limitations on whichever specialty they want to choose, military doctors do. Often, more specializations like Urology or Dermatology are not offered.